McNulty deserves his chance

Harry · July 23, 2015

It is somewhat ironic that the first North Texas player to ever score a touchdown in beautiful Apogee Stadium when it opened in 2011 holds the keys to Dan McCarney's most critical season in his 4-year tenure as head coach at UNT.

Andrew McNulty has taken his lumps as a quarterback in the UNT program over the years but very few would question that his play this season may well determine if the staff can turn around a regrettable 4-8 campaign in 2014.

Rewind back to 2011. Dan McCarney had been hired to replace Todd Dodge who in many eyes had run the program into the very bottom of the NCAA. McCarney had his first signing class, and as most new coaching staffs he hustled to put together the best class he could in limited time.

I remember seeing McNulty's name on signing day and scratching my head and wondering who is this guy? Here was a guy who was from Iowa City Mac's hometown. Unheralded as a prospect, he did have an outstanding senior season and as a junior at Iowa City he played behind a 4-star prospect named AJ Derby who now plays for the Patriots in the NFL. Not a highly rated prospect whose best shot was the fact that Iowa was sniffing around but never provided a formal offer.

Later we learned that McNulty was the son of Jim McNulty who was a teammate of Dan McCarney at Iowa in the early 70's. Bloodlines certainly didn't hurt his interesting move to be a scholarship quarterback in Denton, Texas. Timing played a role as well. Mac knew he had to change the mindset of a program that had fallen into the depths of despair. McNulty could be a key piece to the puzzle.

2011 was an odd year in which Derek Thompson was slated as the starter but McNulty's mobility allowed him to get into some games and actually start a game against a salty Tulsa team where he was running for his life. It was hard to give him a decent grade with only 352 yards and one touchdown. The kid was a true freshman and physically not prepared for physical nature of the game at this level.

2012 was a medical redshirt year for McNulty who I believe suffered a wrist injury.

2013 as a sophomore he saw limited action in eight games behind Derek Thompson.

2014 was really the first time we got to see what McNulty could do. He did not beat out transfer Josh Greer but he stuck it out when Greer faltered and Dajon Williams after that. So we really got about half a season to evaluate what McNulty was capable of.

His first real start was in a home game against Southern Miss in Denton where he went 20 of 35 for 287 yards. UNT would end up losing this game by a score of 30-21 but the key point was McNulty did not turn the ball over and he was only sacked once. The game prior, Dajon Williams had two interceptions (one for a pick 6) and five sacks in a 56-21 loss that may have been the low point of an already disappointing season.

If you measure results as wins and losses, McNulty started 6 games in 2014 and went 2-4 and quite frankly the UNT defense had become a shadow of it's former self. It was not turnovers that hurt McNulty, it was that the UNT run oriented offense could not outscore most of the opponents they faced in the second half of the season.

A lot of UNT fans blame McNulty for all the ails the program and it's fall from a bowl win and respect in 2013 to a 4-8 record in 2014. But to do that is frankly unfair. No, Andrew McNulty does not have the biggest arm, or the greatest speed. He won't dazzle you as players like former Eagle Dajon Williams could with his raw god given abilities. He's not a vocal leader, he is somewhat shy and quiet preferring to lead by example.

He does offer you a blue collar, intelligent and hard working kid who has given his all in his 5-years here. Look at the off season workout reports and you will see McNulty leading the pack. Look at the grade reports and he makes high marks. He has never been in trouble. By all accounts he is the player every coach wants to have in their program. If you look at him physically speaking, he has transformed from a 6-1, lean 175 pounder into a very strong 210 and is much more able to withstand the perils of C-USA defensive linemen. There has not been another UNT player who has bought into the off season strength and conditioning program more than McNulty.

Most that follow UNT will concede that McNulty will most likely be taking the first snap as UNT faces cross town rival SMU to open the 2015 season. I submit to you that he is deserving of this. Whether or not he will take future snaps and lead the team throughout the season remains to be seen. He will have a lot of players looking to relegate him to the bench. Juco transfer DaMarcus Smith come into the mix this Fall with a lot of credentials and talent. Josh Greer has seen a revival of his career and hopes to make his way back into the lead position. Redshirt Freshman Conner Means will look to make his move as well and he clearly has some talent.

My hope is that UNT fans will give McNulty the benefit of the doubt. He has been a good soldier in this program and deserves his chance to show what he can do. Results will certainly be the final determination but in my opinion there is not another quarterback on this roster that has worked harder and is more deserving of leading the team against SMU.

Edited July 23, 2015 by Harry

Ben Gooding · July 23, 2015

There's a better option on our current roster. It's not rocket science. Start your best available option.

North Texas Shep · July 23, 2015

I agree with Ben on this one. There is no way he is the best option. This is not high school, where you start the senior sometimes so daddy and mommy can see him play. I like McNulty. He works real hard and wants to win. Sadly, he does not win. I will cheer for him when the season starts but I will be amazed if he proves me wrong. I hope he does.

Mean_Green09 · July 23, 2015

The problem with McNulty is not that he doesn't deserve to start, because he does. He has done everything asked of him. He is tough, smart, respected, knows the offense. The problem is with the coaching staff failing to get a guy in here with more talent then McNulty and preparing said guy to be the guy. They are stuck with McNulty because they've failed to do better as a coaching staff with the position. They are going to start him because they have no other choice. Unless Smith comes in and blows him away.

Tyler Maryak · July 23, 2015

It will be interesting to see what we're saying at the end of the season. Will we have 7-8 wins and be praising his ability to not turn the ball over or will we have 3-4 wins and be cursing his lack of production? Time will tell...

Travis · July 23, 2015

All we have to go off of is watching his previous play. That isn't encouraging. If he is the guy, he will have a lot of doubters. And it would be understandably so.

UNT90 · July 23, 2015

There's a better option on our current roster. It's not rocket science. Start your best available option.

We don't know that. Sadly, fall practice is closed, so we won't have any info on if Smith is out performing Mini Mac.

He shouldn't be awarded the position just because the other options aren't viable. We saw the results of that last year with DW. He SHOULD be given a fair shot to beat out Mini Mac in fall camp.

Now, if he doesn't beat out Mini Mac, we are in for a Loooong, dreadful season.

MeanGreenTexan · July 23, 2015

We don't know that. Sadly, fall practice is closed, so we won't have any info on if Smith is out performing Mini Mac.

He shouldn't be awarded the position just because the other options aren't viable. We saw the results of that last year with DW. He SHOULD be given a fair shot to beat out Mini Mac in fall camp.

Now, if he doesn't beat out Mini Mac, we are in for a Loooong, dreadful season.

As we found out over the past few seasons, we're going to need Smith to be good at test-taking (to gain Chico's approval), and minimizing mistakes (to gain McCarney's approval) during the Fall. Screw up one (or both) of those, and he's not going to sniff the field ahead of McNulty.

97and03 · July 23, 2015

As we found out over the past few seasons, we're going to need Smith to be good at test-taking (to gain Chico's approval), and minimizing mistakes (to gain McCarney's approval) during the Fall. Screw up one (or both) of those, and he's not going to sniff the field ahead of McNulty.

This. Exactly this.

Green P1 · July 23, 2015

As to the thread's title, does he? Does he really?

GreenTexan13 · July 23, 2015

There's a better option on our current roster. It's not rocket science. Start your best available option.

I agree, McNulty is a good guy, but he is a back up QB. I just don't see us standing a chance against the tougher opponents like Iowa, WKU, or Marshall this season with McNulty on the field. I am crossing my fingers that Smith will get out there and ignite our offense, (like DW did) just without the freshman interceptions and fumble mistakes. What else worries me is what @MeanGreenTexan said. Smith needs to make good grades and earn Mac's respect. Mac isn't the type of guy that folds on a pick unless you see his decision on the field blow up in his face. (2014 LaTech game)

MeanGreenTexan · July 23, 2015

I agree, McNulty is a good guy, but he is a back up QB. I just don't see us standing a chance against the tougher opponents like Iowa, WKU, or Marshall this season with McNulty on the field. I am crossing my fingers that Smith will get out there and ignite our offense, (like DW did) just without the freshman interceptions and fumble mistakes. What else worries me is what @MeanGreenTexan said. Smith needs to make good grades and earn Mac's respect. Mac isn't the type of guy that folds on a pick unless you see his decision on the field blow up in his face. (2014 LaTech game)

Not talking about grades in the classroom, although that's important too. I'm talking about Chico's paper tests for the QBs. "What do you do in such-&-such situation?", "When this defense presents itself on this playcall, where do you go?", etc...

GOMG2013 · July 23, 2015

As we found out over the past few seasons, we're going to need Smith to be good at test-taking (to gain Chico's approval), and minimizing mistakes (to gain McCarney's approval) during the Fall. Screw up one (or both) of those, and he's not going to sniff the field ahead of McNulty.

sometimes not knowing the offense and mistakes go hand in hand. Mac and Chico doesn't seem to mind bad throws and pick 6s because both DT and AM had those moments. I guess they consider those forced errors due to good defense or bad playcalling. Seems like they give the QB a pass in those situations.

unforced errors and errors due to lack of knowledge is what mac seems to fear the most.

my biggest concern is D smith not learning the offense. I know he could not officially get a playbook, but there are ways to watch game film, spring game, highlights, etc to learn something.

The team is doing voluntary workouts, and I am already hearing he can play, but needing to learn the offense...heard the same about berklund, heard the same about dajon...

I'm not an offensive guru, but how hard can it be? UNT doesn't seem to run something hi tech and complicated. As an athlete coming in, and looking at the competition, smith may think, I got this. Coaches are telling him he has a good chance to start. He probably thinks like most athletes that once they get on the field and put on the pads, that his talent will wow the coaches.

Sorry dsmith. It won't happen. You need to put in the work. You need to know that playbook inside out before camp starts. They are not going to change it for you.

Smith may have about one or two weeks to work out kinks. After that, he better know everything or he won't start SMU.

MeanGreenTexan · July 23, 2015

sometimes not knowing the offense and mistakes go hand in hand. Mac and Chico doesn't seem to mind bad throws and pick 6s because both DT and AM had those moments. I guess they consider those forced errors due to good defense or bad playcalling. Seems like they give the QB a pass in those situations.
unforced errors and errors due to lack of knowledge is what mac seems to fear the most.
my biggest concern is D smith not learning the offense. I know he could not officially get a playbook, but there are ways to watch game film, spring game, highlights, etc to learn something.
The team is doing voluntary workouts, and I am already hearing he can play, but needing to learn the offense...heard the same about berklund, heard the same about dajon...
I'm not an offensive guru, but how hard can it be? UNT doesn't seem to run something hi tech and complicated. As an athlete coming in, and looking at the competition, smith may think, I got this. Coaches are telling him he has a good chance to start. He probably thinks like most athletes that once they get on the field and put on the pads, that his talent will wow the coaches.
Sorry dsmith. It won't happen. You need to put in the work. You need to know that playbook inside out before camp starts. They are not going to change it for you.
Smith may have about one or two weeks to work out kinks. After that, he better know everything or he won't start SMU.

I have a feeling after what happened to him at WKU (getting beat out by Doughty), Mr. Smith is well aware of his talent not being enough. All the guy tweets about is grindin...

Mean_Green09 · July 23, 2015

As a 5th year Sr in the same offense Mr. McNulty should be able to beat defenses with his mind. He should be able to identify the defense and know where the ball should go before the snap. Thats how he should overcome the natural talent problem. He shouldn't be holding onto the ball for long periods of time like he did in the spring game. His errors should be very limited. I'm not completely sold on his ability process information on the field and make the quick decisions. When the pressure is off and we are talking about pen and paper he is a good QB. When he has guys breathing down his neck and putting the pressure on he is a below FBS level QB.

golfingomez · July 23, 2015

HOT....

SPORTS....

OPINIONS.....

Ben Gooding · July 23, 2015

Damarcus Smith didn't come here for no reason. People on our staff were telling him certain things to get him here. McNulty didn't go to Florida for a reasom. This is a wide open competition and it's easy to see that. Not one time this offseason did I hear Mac say, "Andrew McNulty is our starting QB." He's answered a multitude of questions regarding AM as the starter, sure. But he has never said he is starting. If in fact he is the starter, why would you NOT bring your senior starting QB to media day? So, as much as Brett Vito wants to write about AM being our starter it's just not true, up to this point anyway.

Withers940 · July 23, 2015

If McNulty takes the first snap at SMU he will be the QB for the entire year unless he gets hurt or pulls a Josh Greer. No matter how bad ass D Smith does in practice

foutsrouts · July 23, 2015

Of course McNulty deserves his chance, but so does everybody else at the position. A FAIR chance for EVERYBODY is the key.

Coach Andy Mac · July 23, 2015

Not talking about grades in the classroom, although that's important too. I'm talking about Chico's paper tests for the QBs. "What do you do in such-&-such situation?", "When this defense presents itself on this playcall, where do you go?", etc...

There will not be a QB now or in the future who will score higher on Chico's written tests than McNulty. If anything McNulty's grade sets the curve. If Chico continues to use this test to determine playing time McNulty will remain the starter.

GOMG2013 · July 23, 2015

As a 5th year Sr in the same offense Mr. McNulty should be able to beat defenses with his mind. He should be able to identify the defense and know where the ball should go before the snap. Thats how he should overcome the natural talent problem. He shouldn't be holding onto the ball for long periods of time like he did in the spring game. His errors should be very limited. I'm not completely sold on his ability process information on the field and make the quick decisions. When the pressure is off and we are talking about pen and paper he is a good QB. When he has guys breathing down his neck and putting the pressure on he is a below FBS level QB.

great point...

UNT90 · July 23, 2015

There will not be a QB now or in the future who will score higher on Chico's written tests than McNulty. If anything McNulty's grade sets the curve. If Chico continues to use this test to determine playing time McNulty will remain the starter.

And UNT will continue to lose.

Ben Gooding · July 23, 2015

And UNT will continue to lose.

And Canales and his tests will be exiting stage left at seasons end.

greenminer · July 23, 2015

The QB that deserves to start should be the one who beats out the competition during fall practice. Cut it out with any sentimental fans-owe-him posts.

There is value in loyalty, but perfect attendance doesn't warrant an automatic A on the class exam.

MeanGreenHoops · July 23, 2015

As a 5th year Sr in the same offense Mr. McNulty should be able to beat defenses with his mind. He should be able to identify the defense and know where the ball should go before the snap. Thats how he should overcome the natural talent problem. He shouldn't be holding onto the ball for long periods of time like he did in the spring game. His errors should be very limited. I'm not completely sold on his ability process information on the field and make the quick decisions. When the pressure is off and we are talking about pen and paper he is a good QB. When he has guys breathing down his neck and putting the pressure on he is a below FBS level QB.

Maybe, that was the case with DT, but McNulty hasn't played very much. Basically 1/2 a season.